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Useful Memory Activities For Seniors

By Paul Edwards


A significant number of seniors struggle with some degree of memory loss. This problem tends to get worse as they get older mainly due to the atrophy (shrinkage) of their brain tissue. In most cases, it is short term rather than long term memory that is affected. This does pose a major challenge considering that a lot of vital information is protected by passwords and PINs. To keep this problem in check, there are a number of Memory activities for seniors to consider.

Solving puzzles is a time tested solution for keeping amnesia at bay. They are effective in all age groups including seniors. Crossword puzzles involving words or numbers are particularly useful. Many of these exercises are quite simple and do not require intelligent solutions. Rather they are based in simple logic. Engaging in such exercises on a daily basis has tremendous long term benefits.

Sensory stimulation is a solution that proposes the regular use of all the senses. Proponents argue that this helps in maintaining neural connections and indeed helps with recall. The sense of hearing, for instance, can be engaged by regularly listening to beautiful music. The gustatory sense calls for one to taste something delicious while vision also requires that one indulges their eyes on colourful objects and events.

Board games are also an important training tool. The most common types include chess and checkers. Apart from enhancing recall ability, the games also keep cognitive ability intact. The reason for this is that players have to anticipate moves likely to be made by their opponents if they are to win. Many of these games have been developed into android applications making them readily available.

Reading regularly is a simple yet another effective solution. Reading ensures that your brain gets enough word recall exercise. Materials that one may read are varied and range from newspapers, to books to magazines. Persons that are in the habit of reading when young have a lower incidence of amnesia than those who do not. The habit of reading is more important than the duration of reading or the content read.

Learning is said to be a continuous process that occurs even in our twilight years. Learning something new is a way of putting our brains to work; we must remember how to use the new skill so that we can keep using it over and over. Some of the ways in which seniors can make use of this strategy is through the learning of new languages, music, musical instruments or even a new recipe.

It is important to take care of physical health even as one strives to maintain memory. Regular exercise goes a long way in maintaining circulation in the brain and keeping the brain healthy. Exercises that are recommended may include jogging, brisk walking and cycling. It is necessary that one also lays emphasis on a proper diet.

The problem of memory loss is one that effects many seniors. The seriousness does vary from one person to another with some people having more severe symptoms due to the presence of Alzheimer disease. The secret to minimizing this problem is to remain active even in old age.




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